A Study on the Publications Owned by Magoksa Temple: The Historical Record and the Woodblock-printed Tripitaka Koreana Published During King Sejo’s Reign

A rare set of three volumes from the woodblock-printed Tripitaka Koreana, dating to King Sejo's reign (15th century), was identified among the collections of Magoksa Temple. These volumes—part of the Gojoseon edition—include unique texts not commonly found in Korea today, such as sections of the Dapanggangbulhwaeongyeong and Bulsohaengjan. Analysis revealed distinctive features of these volumes, including their large size (29x40 cm), yellow paper covers adorned with lotus patterns, and red silk thread binding. The study also traced Magoksa Temple's historical trajectory, highlighting its growth in the 13th–15th centuries, decline due to conflicts like the Imjin War, and eventual restoration in the mid-17th century, which shaped its current form. This discovery sheds light on the preservation of the Tripitaka Koreana during a critical period of Korean history.

Shin, E. (2021). A Study on the Publications Owned by Magoksa Temple: The Historical Record and the Woodblock-printed Tripitaka Koreana Published During King Sejo’s Reign. Misulsa Yeongu : Journal of Art History, 41, 7–33. https://doi.org/10.52799/jah.2021.12.41.7